ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Pollinating Corn Jobs (NOW HIRING)

BC Forward

Laboratory Technician

Johnston City, IL · On-site

$21 - $22/hr

The role will assist with routine greenhouse activities including seeding, pollinating ... for corn, soybean, wheat, and other crops. Move carts of plants in and out of greenhouses and ...

All JobsPollinating Corn Jobs

Pollinating Corn information

See salary details

$14

$25

$38

How much do pollinating corn jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average hourly pay for pollinating corn in the United States is $25.19, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $29.33 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is detasseling a difficult job?

Detasseling corn is physically demanding and requires standing for long periods, often in hot weather. It involves precise work to remove the tassels without damaging the plants, and workers typically need good attention to detail and stamina. The job can be challenging but is manageable with proper training and effort.

What does pollinating corn involve?

Pollinating corn typically refers to the manual process of transferring pollen from the tassels (male flowers) to the silks (female flowers) of corn plants. This is often done in research or seed production fields to ensure controlled breeding and desired trait selection. Workers usually collect pollen by shaking or bagging tassels, then apply it directly onto the silks of specific ears. Manual pollination helps produce hybrid seeds and maintain genetic purity in corn breeding programs. The work is usually seasonal and performed outdoors in the summer months.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Corn Pollinator, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Corn Pollinator, you need basic agricultural knowledge, attention to detail, and the physical stamina to work in field conditions, often supported by a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools like pollination bags, labeling systems, and sometimes handheld data entry devices is helpful. Strong observational skills, teamwork, and reliability are important soft skills in this role. These abilities ensure accurate pollination, data collection, and contribute to successful crop research and seed production.

Is detasseling corn still a job?

Detasseling corn is still a job primarily performed during the summer months in agricultural regions. It involves physically removing the tassels from corn plants to control pollination and often requires standing in fields for several hours, sometimes using tools like detasseling shovels or knives. The job is typically seasonal and may require safety training and adherence to farm regulations.

What are the typical challenges faced when working as a pollinator in corn fields, and how can they be managed?

Working as a corn pollinator often involves spending long hours outdoors in various weather conditions, which can be physically demanding. A common challenge is ensuring precise timing, as pollination must be conducted during a specific window when the corn is at the right stage of maturity. Additionally, repetitive tasks and exposure to pollen may lead to allergies or fatigue. To manage these challenges, it’s important to use protective gear, stay hydrated, and communicate closely with team members to coordinate schedules and maximize efficiency. Training and adherence to safety protocols further help in maintaining productivity and well-being.

What is the difference between Pollinating Corn vs Pollinating Soybeans?

AspectPollinating CornPollinating Soybeans
Work EnvironmentFields during planting season, often in large-scale farmsFields during flowering, typically in soybean-growing regions
Required SkillsKnowledge of crop stages, manual or mechanical pollination techniquesUnderstanding of soybean flowering, manual pollination methods
CertificationsNone specific, agricultural experience preferredNone specific, agricultural experience preferred

Pollinating corn and pollinating soybeans involve similar skills and work environments, focusing on crop pollination during flowering periods. Both roles require agricultural knowledge but do not typically require formal certifications. The main difference lies in the crop type and timing, with each job tailored to the specific needs of corn or soybean pollination.

How to make sure your corn gets pollinated?

Pollinating corn involves ensuring proper timing of tassel and silk emergence, which can be achieved by monitoring plant development stages. Hand pollination can be used in small-scale or controlled environments to improve pollination success, especially in areas with poor natural pollination conditions. Using tools like a paintbrush or shaking tassels can help transfer pollen effectively.

How much do you get paid for corn detasseling?

Pollinating corn through detasseling typically pays between $8 and $15 per hour, depending on the region, experience, and the company. The job often involves physical labor in outdoor conditions and may require early morning shifts during the summer season.
What states have the most Pollinating Corn jobs? States with the most job openings for Pollinating Corn jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Pollinating Corn jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Pollinating Corn jobs are:
Pollinating Corn jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pollinating Corn job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 33% Full Time, and 67% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $52,387 per year, or $25.2 per hour.
Research Seasonal Employee - Kirkland, IL

Research Seasonal Employee - Kirkland, IL

AgReliant Genetics

Esmond, IL • On-site

Part-time

Posted yesterday

Job description

WHO WE ARE
GDM Seeds is a global leader in plant genetics, dedicated to transforming agriculture through technological innovation. With a continuous focus on research and development, we bring the most advanced and high-performing seed varieties to the market, creating new growth opportunities for our partners and for the future of agribusiness.
Our North America portfolio includes leading brands like AgriGold®, DONMARIO®, Mustang™, PRIDE® Seeds, Revere®, and Virtue, supported by a network of research superstations, one of the largest corn genetic pools and the fourth-largest corn research program. Through our combined expertise, we continue to push the boundaries of innovation, delivering top-tier seed solutions to help farmers grow and succeed. GDM's region-first brand model reinforces the company's long-standing promise to deliver top-performing genetics and robust agronomic support - ensuring farmers have the right genetics, in the right place, at the right time.
OUR DNA
We are passionate about what we do and driven by curiosity. We believe that learning and innovation are the foundation for transforming the future of agriculture. Our focus is on cutting-edge genetic development, creating solutions that make a difference in the field and in the global market.
Our DNA not only guides us but also connects us: we work with empathy, transparency, and respect, ensuring agile and flexible operations. Here, you are the protagonist of your career, because we believe every individual plays an essential role in building something greater.
If you are passionate about learning and want to be part of evolving agriculture, GDM is the right place for you!
POSITION SUMMARY:
This is a temporary seasonal position that participates in operational and testing activities at inbred and hybrid research sites.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
• Participate in seed packaging, planting, pollinating, note taking, harvest, and shelling
• Participate in field experiment activities which includes planting, scouting, and weed control.
• Other duties as assigned
EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE:
• Must be authorized to work in the US for any employer
• Eligible minors under 18 must have an employment certificate
KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS/ABILITIES:
• Ability to work Monday - Saturday as needed
• Punctual & reliable - report to work on time and regular attendance
• Ability to work as a part of a team
• Ability to follow directions and safety rules carefully
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs
• Ability to work extended hours outdoors and walk in corn fields (regular breaks and water breaks provided)
• May travel occasionally to additional fields located away from station (less than 5%)
GDM is an equal opportunity employer. We are proud to welcome candidates from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply.
Learn more about us at gdmseeds.com or follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter @GDMSeeds.
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

Apply